This 19th-century podere, or farmhouse, is located in the heart of Tuscany, near the village of Asciano. Left abandoned in the Fifties, it was a ruin until 2002, when it was reconstructed in the original rural style of the Crete Senesi, the hilly, wooded region to the south of Siena known for its almost lunar grey clay soil. It was, however, given a very contemporary makeover by Conix Architects that seamlessly blends the old farm style with minimalist architecture.
The design of the space is simple yet elegant, with white walls and wooden ceilings, and modern rustic furnishings. The podere is organized into five units around a courtyard and sweeping views of the rolling countryside. We love that the units are named after famous Italian movies, from La Dolce Vita to Il Postino. All rooms have double beds that can be converted into twins on demand. Each has a private bathroom and a private outdoor space, surrounded in vegetation. Two of the suites have sitting rooms that can accommodate a further two guests.
This is a great luxury villa in Tuscany, perfect for large groups as it accommodates 18 guests, and the lavish gardens have plenty of hidden spots that offer privacy. Its owners, Rita and Johny, look after their guests with a full hotel-style service (see “Additional Features” below for concierge services available). It’s a great location for family reunions, holidays with friends, or business seminars. As one of the suites is so aptly named: La vita e bella. Life is beautiful.
The owners of this property also own Siena Loft, a striking industrial conversion in the Tuscan countryside. For more about them, read our Journal here.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
A wide range of extras can be arranged, including housekeeping, breakfast, lunch and dinner service, a BBQ, pizza evenings, babysitting and grocery shopping. Activities that can be organized include hiking, biking, tennis, horseback riding, and hot air-ballooning.
The owners can also provide addresses for excellent, nearby restaurants, specializing in Italian and Tuscan food. Alternatively, guests can try their hands at cooking local dishes themselves as there are Italian cookbooks in the houses’ kitchens. On arrival, guests will be provided with a wide range of special offers.
AROUND
In the immediate vicinity are many historic villages and cities, as well as other cultural attractions. Asciano itself is a hill town, located at the centre of the Crete Senesi near the river Ombrone. The town is known for its 11th-century Romanesque basilica St Agata, with its adjacent Museum of Holy Art.
To the south is a large Benedictine monastery Monte Oliveto Maggiore, which was founded in 1320 and is famous for its frescoes. The region is known for its production of white truffles, and holds a festival and a museum dedicated to the rare fungus. The cities of Siena and Florence are easily reached by car in 40 minutes and 1.5 hours respectively.
LOCATION
Asciano, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airports: Perugia (90km), Florence (120km).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, with best weather Spring to Fall.
The post Tuscan Podere, Asciano, Italy appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.